![Faruque Ahmed speaks on bangladesh-India issue [Source: @CricketAangon/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767590455882_Faruque_Ahmed_BCB_director.jpg?type=hq)
Faruque Ahmed speaks on bangladesh-India issue [Source: @CricketAangon/X]
After reports emerged about Bangladesh potentially pulling out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Faruque Ahmed confirmed on Sunday, January 4, that the board has written a formal and official letter to the ICC requesting that their matches be shifted out of India.
The move was taken citing security concerns after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not guarantee Mustafizur Rahman’s safety for IPL 2026 amidst the recent socio-political turmoil.
BCB director explains withdrawing from India
Taking the lead on the issue, the BCB director stated that if the Indian apex cricket body cannot guarantee the safety of one player, the entire Bangladesh team could feel unsafe travelling to India for the World Cup, which is scheduled just a month later. Speaking to India Today, Faruque Ahmed explained the factors behind the decision.
“BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia released a statement and asked Mustafizur to be released from the KKR squad, probably for security reasons due to tensions between the two nations. Linked to that issue, the Bangladesh team will have to travel to Kolkata,” Ahmed said.
Faruque further said that since the BCCI functions under the government, the matter becomes a governmental concern. He added that due to ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to religious sentiments, it would be safer for Bangladesh to avoid playing matches in India.
“The board functions under the government, and government decisions are very important. We cannot take decisions on our own. The government directs the board, and they asked the cricket board to work accordingly,” Ahmed said.
“When you see that one player cannot be given security, then it becomes a concern for the entire Bangladesh team and the support staff,” Ahmed added.
Faruque Ahmed pushes for hybrid model
Faruque Ahmed also referred to the India-Pakistan situation, where teams compete under a hybrid model in tournaments such as the Asia Cup 2025. He suggested that Bangladesh should be offered a similar arrangement given the current tensions between the two countries.
“Everyone is playing in a hybrid model. India plays in Dubai, Pakistan does not come to India and they play in Dubai. There is a model called the hybrid model,” Ahmed concluded.
However, a BCCI source earlier responded that such a logistical shift would be extremely difficult and described it as a “nightmare” to implement. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council is yet to take a final call on Bangladesh’s formal request.
